MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Audi Q4 E-Tron

NHTSA safety across every Audi Q4 E-Tron model year we cover.

Across the 4 model years of the Audi Q4 E-Tron we cover (2022 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 90 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2022 at 83. 13 recalls have been issued across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial Reviewed against NHTSA data 2026-07-03

The Audi Q4 E-Tron is a compact all-electric SUV positioned squarely in the premium EV crossover segment, competing against rivals like the Tesla Model Y and BMW iX1. Aimed at tech-forward buyers who want Audi's cabin refinement without stepping up to a larger platform, it blends a practical five-passenger footprint with fully electric power. It is a serious everyday choice for safety-conscious premium shoppers.

The Audi Q4 E-Tron builds a credible safety record across the 2022 to 2025 model years we track at MotorCaliber. The headline figure is a 90 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index for the 2025 model year, placing it in the Exceptional band, which is a genuinely strong result in an increasingly competitive segment. Crash-test geometry tells a nuanced story: the side-impact rating reaches a full 5 out of 5 stars, which is exactly what you want to see in a family-oriented SUV. Frontal and rollover protection each land at 4 out of 5 stars, solid scores that still leave a small gap between the Q4 E-Tron and the very best performers in class. Those numbers improved meaningfully as the generation matured, which reflects well on Audi's iterative development. The recall picture deserves honest attention. Thirteen recalls across four model years is a notable figure for a relatively new nameplate, and shoppers should verify their specific VIN is clear before purchase or at delivery. On the complaint side, 23 owner complaints are on file, including 2 reported crashes and 2 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the low absolute count suggests the Q4 E-Tron is not generating widespread safety grievances in the field. Overall, the 2025 model year represents the safest version of this vehicle to date, and buyers who prioritize a strong side-impact result alongside a top-tier NHTSA index score will find the Q4 E-Tron a defensible pick.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Q4 E-Tron as one of the more polished entries in the compact premium EV crossover space, praising its interior quality and composed driving character. Most acknowledge it as a mature, well-rounded option rather than a segment-leader in any single dimension, with the cabin experience and overall refinement drawing the most consistent praise.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • The 2025 model year earns the highest NHTSA Safety Index in the Q4 E-Tron lineup at 90 out of 100, rated Exceptional, making it the safest model year to target if safety ratings are a priority for you.
  • Side-impact protection is the standout crash-test result, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, while frontal and rollover ratings each sit at 4 out of 5 stars, meaning protection is strong but not uniformly perfect across all impact types.
  • Thirteen recalls across the 2022 to 2025 model years is a meaningful number for a four-year-old nameplate. Always run your specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database before finalizing a purchase to confirm all outstanding recalls have been remedied.
  • Owner complaints on file total 23 across covered model years, with 2 reported crashes and 2 reported injuries noted as unverified allegations. The relatively low complaint volume suggests no widespread field safety pattern, but monitoring NHTSA's complaint database after purchase is always good practice with any newer EV platform.

Safety Index by year

Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Audi Q4 E-Tron with 5 recalls.

BY YEARQ4 E-Tron by model year